Design and Construction
The Seahawk 35 has moderate freeboard and a low-profile coachroof, giving her a sleek, elegant presence on the water. Her white hull has blue stripes and a molded-in rubbing strake.
The hull is a solid fiberglass molding reinforced with stringers and bulkheads. It is bonded to the deck with bolts and sealant. The deck is a fiberglass sandwich with a balsa core for stiffness and insulation, painted white and finished with molded-in nonskid and an aluminum toe rail.
At 14,000 pounds displacement, with 5,710 pounds of iron ballast and a 40-percent ballast ratio, the Seahawk 35 is a stiff, settled platform. She is well built for rough seas and strong winds.
Rig, Deck, and Handling
The deck layout is practical and secure. Wide side decks and sturdy handrails aid movement around the boat, while a stainless-steel pulpit, pushpit, and stanchions with double lifelines and gates enclose the perimeter.
Four winches handle the sail controls. Two primary winches near the helm serve the genoa sheets, while two secondary winches on the coachroof handle halyards and reefing lines. Rope clutches and cleats secure the running rigging.
A single wheel sits on a pedestal that also houses the engine controls and compass. Cables and pulleys connect the wheel to the rudder. The cockpit is wide and deep, with high coamings that provide protection underway.
You can load her down with all your cruising gear, and it will hardly affect her waterline. That helps her retain her composure when provisioned for a passage. She isn’t an ideal choice for coastal sailing, but she comes into her own on passage in testing conditions.
Cockpit and Deck Gear
The deep, self-contained cockpit includes four self-draining lockers and two lazarettes for bulky gear. A folding table mounts to the pedestal, and a folding sprayhood provides shelter.
At the bow, the anchor locker holds 164 feet of chain and 164 feet of rope. A bow roller rated to 44 pounds serves the ground tackle.
Accommodations
Westerly offered two interior versions. The standard layout splits into three cabins: a forward V-berth, an aft double spanning the beam, and a saloon with two singles. Its U-shaped dinette seats six and lowers to form another double.
The owner’s version replaces the third cabin with an island double forward, a larger heads, and more stowage aft. In either arrangement, the teak-finished interior, with blue upholstery, sleeps up to seven.
The galley is to port beside the companionway. It includes a two-burner stove, oven, grill, stainless-steel sink, and top-loading fridge. Opposite, the navigation station has a hinged chart table and swivel seat.
Six opening ports and two large hatches provide light and ventilation, with the forward cabin having its own hatch. Four fixed windows bring additional light into the aft and heads areas.
The Verdict
The Seahawk 35 is a short-run Dubois cruiser built for passages rather than marina-hopping. Her solid hull, balsa-cored deck, and deep, protected cockpit suit a serious offshore owner. The two interior plans also let buyers choose between greater guest capacity and more private space.
Low production makes her a niche boat, but she is a coherent one.
Pros
- Takes on cruising gear with little effect on her waterline, making her well suited to passage provisioning
- Well-built hull and deck for rough seas and strong winds
- Safe, deep cockpit with effective coamings and drainage
- Owner’s version offers an island berth and enlarged heads
Cons
- Not suited to coastal sailing, according to period assessment
- Only about 40 were built, limiting choice on the used market
- The standard version’s third cabin reduces stowage compared with the owner’s layout
